Discover Hawaii's remarkable wildlife on a full-day, small-group birdwatching tour into the Big Island's Mauna Kea Forest Reserve. Travel on foot and by four-wheel drive as you explore dry forest and rainforest habitats that shelter the endangered palila honeycreeper, the Hawaii amakihi and the Hawaii "˜elepaio. Listen for the calls of endemic songbirds as you traverse an otherworldly lava trail, then follow a local, bird-loving guide along forest paths into the distinctive, high-elevation mamane-naio ecosystem.
12-our birdwatching tour in Hawaii
Small group adventure in the Mauna Kea Forest Preserve
Different forest habitats with unique indigenous bird species
Expert local guides and bird enthusiasts
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
Interpretative Naturalist Guide
Binoculars
Filtered water
Raingear, day packs and walking sticks
Continental breakfast, lunch and beverages
Local taxes
Exclusions
Gratuities (optional)
Hotel pickup and drop off
Departure & Return
Departure point
Tour departs from Hawaii Forest & Trail Kona Headquarters (73-5593 Olowalu St. #A, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740) or Queens MarketPlace in Waikola.
Meet your guide and group at a prearranged spot to embark on your full-day bird watching adventure. Travel together in a comfortable vehicle to the start of the Puu Oo Trail. This historic cattle drive route is located at the 6,000 foot (1800 meters) level of Saddle Road on Mauna Loa's northeastern side. Cross the 3 to 4 miles (5 to 6 km) of trail, surrounded by the misty clouds that are common on the windward side of the island. Listen for the calls of the birds as you enter the Kaohe Game Management Area, then travel up the western side of Mauna Kea to an elevation of nearly nearly 7,000 feet (2,100 meters). Keep an eye out for species like elepaio, omao, amakihi, apapane and iiwi. Use the provided binoculars to look for the elusive akiapolaau, easy to identify by its multipurpose beak. At the gate to the Mauna Kea Forest Preserve, climb down from your vehicle and take in some scenic vistas before proceeding on foot. Following your expert birder guide's lead, focus on spotting specimens of the critically threatened palila. After a full day of searching for Hawaii's indigenous bird life, return to your meeting point for drop-off.
Additional Info
Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 5 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
Guests should wear sturdy closed-toe walking shoes, long pants, and bring a light jacket
This tour has a maximum of 12 passengers per van
This tour requires a minimum number of passengers to operate. There is a possibility that the tour may be canceled after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be provided the option to take the tour on an alternative date or be refunded in full. It will be necessary for you to call 48 hours prior to your departure date to reconfirm (contact details provided on your confirmation voucher).
Not recommended for child aged 7 and under
Adult pricing applies to all travelers
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel At least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.